Follow in the footsteps of Cú Chulainn and the legendary Brown Bull of Cooley — cycling scenic roads and running through forests and mountain paths of the Cooley Peninsula.
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About the Race
A one-day, multi-sport endurance event combining cycling on scenic country roads with trail running through forests and mountain paths of the spectacular Cooley Peninsula, Co. Louth.
Open to road runners, trail and mountain runners, ultra runners, cyclists, and anyone looking for a rewarding outdoor challenge. Two course formats welcome all abilities, from newcomers taking on the Sport course to seasoned competitors tackling the Expert.
Officially launched on 7 July 2026 by Minister Charlie McConalogue TD and Erin McGreehan TD at Cooley Kickhams GAC, and supported by Louth County Council through its Large Festival and Participative Events grant programme.
Race Formats
Whether you're chasing a personal best on the expert long course or taking on your first adventure race on the sport short course, CAR has a distance for you. Both courses traverse the wild trails of the Cooley Peninsula.
ⓘ Flyover links open in the Strava app on mobile — tap to launch. On desktop you’ll need to be logged in to strava.com.
Race Day
On the Course
Where We Race
A medieval village on the southern shores of Carlingford Lough, sitting between the Cooley Mountains and the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland across the water.
King John's Castle guards the harbour; the Cooley Peninsula beyond it offers some of the most dramatic and technically demanding offroad terrain in Ireland — the perfect arena for an adventure race.
Entries Open
Registration is managed through Triathlon Ireland. Select your course and lock in your place on the start line for 10 October 2026.
All Entries → Triathlon IrelandQuestions? info@carlingfordadventurerace.com
Both courses are listed under Duathlon → Louth on the Triathlon Ireland race calendar.